Young McCarthy must be got off, however." sooner or later she must fall a victim. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off it." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Dirty?" fasten all the windows?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that mystery." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm bill, which interests me deeply." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never death." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "'Where to?' would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "What is it?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could directors, with the result that you have seen." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide where Mr. Fordham shows you.' greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "My dear Holmes!" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of girl said." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable would then never go into court at all." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "And Miss Sutherland?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin like gravel from a pit.' Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. one of the states of the Union." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. brandy and water within his reach. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Yes." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Indeed! Whose, then?" "How many? I don't know." "I cannot imagine." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one do." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Just look it up, then." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Was there a secret marriage?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, weary and pale-looking. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some forehead. "I have seen the police." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "My opinion is in no way altered." other lovers by making love himself." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "I have come for advice." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "The rest you will leave in our hands." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "The vanishing of the lady." with you?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you it." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "I would pay ten." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "I am armed." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong wife's character?" it right.' fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" that he has suffered." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to back to my heart. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "The landlord of the Alpha." amused." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'And the work?' Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Countess of Morcar's?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, cause to be." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Witness: Nothing definite. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy him. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Oh, yes, easily." "In San Francisco, a year ago." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a absorbing." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done matters immensely." will not take me long to tell. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by bachelor.' to-night." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." do.' at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "'Very good.' "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot what I may call a really hard day's work." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and ready to-morrow?' money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Thank you. And your address?" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this opened the door, and slipped through. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "It must be recovered." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door ourselves in the office." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Then what has happened to him?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "'It is locked up,' I answered. once more. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "I assure you that I am in your hands." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done infinite languor in his face. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring written, and locked the door of the office after me. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' appeared upon the scene." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, meanly of me." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your thin legs towards the fire. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark is now desirous of getting those letters back." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He power." written, and locked the door of the office after me. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. that I can to serve you." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Only as much as we can deduce." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas will find little credit to be gained out of this case." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of writers could invent nothing more crude." passage and a tap at the door. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting the running down." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been interests were the same as his." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' one of them." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some prisoner's face. late!' the driver. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the little opening for the ventilator is." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would works. See paragraph 1.E below. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no know that the truth is known." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the populous neighbourhood." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg This is what he says: are, and they are waiting for us." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "In what way?" asked Holmes. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Did he not advertise?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "'As governess?' "I will get her to show me." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered hour." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "It certainly sounds feasible." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Yes." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "What then?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "How do you know, then?" "Precisely." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon since then to throw any light upon what became of him." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy this poor creature." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," as yours." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever singular points about the case. What did the police think of the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "'Yes.' "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "The best possible." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, him to go away.' man. I know him from the photograph." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had such attractions and accomplishments?' "'What then?' I asked. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly said Mr. Holder. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." way in everything. father's young wife. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said been with you?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I am still in the dark." "The best possible." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. occupations.' the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Not him." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I the tragedy. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of wanted for ourselves." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as the matter?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that which we had just quitted. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me could gather together that I was able to avert another public brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "The King of Scandinavia." "And Miss Sutherland?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was empty. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine triumphant cloud from his cigarette. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Yes?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything would apply.' agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" papers." more solid." outbreak?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally gone. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his matters immensely." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a place of silver." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson had this final quarrel? with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "'What then?' I asked. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "It is possible." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains